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Martedi, 7 maggio 2024 - Santa Flavia ( Letture di oggi)

1 Maccabees 9


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KING JAMES BIBLEDOUAI-RHEIMS
1 Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host:1 In the mean time when Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his army were fallen in battle, he sent again Bacchides and Alcimus into Judea; and the right wing of his army with them.
2 Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.2 And they took the road that leadeth to Galgal, and they camped in Masaloth, which is in Arabella: and they made themselves masters of it, and slew many people.
3 Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem:3 In the first month of the hundred and fifty-second year they brought the army to Jerusalem:
4 From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.4 And they arose, and went to Berea with twenty thousand men, and two thousand horsemen.
5 Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him:5 Now Judas had pitched his tents in Laisa, and three thousand chosen men with him:
6 Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.6 And they saw the multitude of the army that they were many, and they were seized with great fear: and many withdrew themselves out of the camp, and there remained of them no more than eight hundred men.
7 When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.7 And Judas saw that his army slipped away, and the battle pressed upon him, and his heart was cast down: because he had not time to gather them together, and he was discouraged.
8 Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.8 Then he said to them that remained: Let us arise, and go against our enemies, if we may be able to fight against them.
9 But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.9 But they dissuaded him, saying: We shall not be able, but let us save our lives now, and return to our brethren, and then we will fight against them: for we are but few.
10 Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.10 Then Judas said: God forbid we should do this thing, and flee away from them: but if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our glory.
11 With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.11 And the army removed out of the camp, and they stood over against them: and the horsemen were divided into two troops, and the slingers, and the archers went before the army, and they that were in the front were all men of valour.
12 As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.12 And Bacchides was in the right wing, and the legion drew near on two sides, and they sounded the trumpets:
13 They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.13 And they also were on Judas' side, even they also cried out, and the earth shook at the noise of the armies: and the battle was fought from morning even unto the evening.
14 Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,14 And Judas perceived that the stronger part of the army of Bacchides was on the right side, and all the stout of heart came together with him:
15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.15 And the right wing was discomfited by them, and he pursued them even to the mount Azotus.
16 But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:16 And they that were in the left wing saw that the right wing was discomfited, and they followed after Judas, and them that were with him, at their back:
17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.17 And the battle was hard fought, and there fell many wounded of the one side and of the other.
18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.18 And Judas was slain, and the rest fled away.
19 THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.19 And Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of their fathers in the city of Modin.
20 Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,20 And all the people of Israel bewailed him with great lamentation, and they mourned for him many days.
21 How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!21 And said: How is the mighty man fallen, that saved the people of Israel!
22 As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.22 But the rest of the words of the wars of Judas, and of the noble acts that he did, and of his greatness, are not written: for they were very many.
23 Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.23 And it came to pass after the death of Judas, that the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the confines of Israel, and all the workers of iniquity rose up.
24 In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.24 In those days there was a very great famine, and they and all their country yielded to Bacchides.
25 Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country.25 And Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country:
26 And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.26 And they sought out, and made diligent search after the friends of Judas, and brought them to Bacchides, and he took vengeance of them, and abused them.
27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.27 And there was a great tribulation in Israel, such as was not since the day, that there was no prophet seen in Israel.
28 For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,28 And all the friends of Judas came together, and said to Jonathan:
29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.29 Since thy brother Judas died, there is not a man like him to go forth against our enemies, Bacchides, and them that are the enemies of our nation.
30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince, and captain in his stead to fight our battles.
31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.31 So Jonathan took upon him the government at that time, and rose up in the place of Judas his brother.
32 But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him32 And Bacchides had knowledge of it, and sought to kill him.
33 Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.33 And Jonathan and Simon his brother, knew it, and all that were with them: and they fled into the desert of Thecua, and they pitched by the water of the lake of Asphar,
34 Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.34 And Bacchides understood it, and he came himself with all his army over the Jordan on the sabbath day.
35 Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.35 And Jonathan sent his brother a captain of the people, to desire the Nabutheans his friends, that they would lend them their equipage, which was copious.
36 But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it.36 And the children of Jambri came forth out of Madaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went away with them.
37 After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.37 After this it was told Jonathan, and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride out of Madaba, the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan, with great pomp.
38 Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:38 And the remembered the blood of John their brother: and they went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain.
39 Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.39 And they lifted up their eyes, and saw: and behold a tumult, and great preparation: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends, and his brethren to meet them with timbrels, and musical instruments, and many weapons.
40 Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.40 And they rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and slew them, and there fell many wounded, and the rest fled into the mountains, and they took all their spoils:
41 Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation.41 And the marriage was turned into mourning, and the noise of their musical instruments into lamentation.
42 So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.42 And they took revenge for the blood of their brother: and they returned to the bank of the Jordan.
43 Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.43 And Bacchides heard it, and he came on the sabbath day even to the bank of the Jordan with a great power.
44 Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:44 And Jonathan said to his company: Let us arise, and fight against our enemies: for it is not now as yesterday, and the day before.
45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.45 And behold the battle is before us, and the water of the Jordan on this side and on that side, and banks, and marshes, and woods: and there is no place for us to turn aside.
46 Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies.46 Now therefore cry ye to heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies. And they joined battle.
47 With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.47 And Jonathan stretched forth his hand to strike Bacchides, but he turned away from him backwards.
48 Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.48 And Jonathan, and they that were with him leaped into the Jordan, and swam over the Jordan to them:
49 So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a thousand men.49 And there fell of Bacchides' side that day a thousand man: and they returned to Jerusalem,
50 Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.50 And they built strong cities in Judea, the fortress that was in Jericho, and in Ammaus, and in Bethoron, and in Bethel, and Thamnata, and Phara, and Thopo, with high walls, and gates, and bars.
51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.51 And he placed garrisons in them, that they might wage war against Israel:
52 He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.52 And he fortified the city of Bethsura, and Gazara, and the castle, and set garrisons in them, and provisions of victuals:
53 Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.53 And he took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them in the castle in Jerusalem in custody.
54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets54 Now in the year one hundred and fifty-three, the second month, Alcimus commanded the walls of the inner court of the sanctuary to be thrown down, and the works of the prophets to be destroyed: and he began to be destroyed: and he began to destroy.
55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.55 At that time Alcimus was struck: and his works were hindered, and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak a word, nor give order concerning his house.
56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.56 And Alcimus died at that time in great torment.
57 Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.57 And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead: and he returned to the king, and the land was quiet for two years.
58 Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.58 And all the wicked held a council, saying: Behold Jonathan, and they that are with him, dwell at ease, and without fear: now therefore let us bring Bacchides hither, and he shall take them all in one night.
59 So they went and consulted with him.59 So they went, and gave him counsel.
60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.60 And he arose to come with a great army: and he sent secretly letters to his adherents that were in Judea, to seize upon Jonathan, and them that were with him: but they could not, for their design was known to them.
61 Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.61 And he apprehended of the men of the country, that were the principal authors of the mischief, fifty men, and slew them.
62 Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.62 And Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him retired into Bethbessen, which is in the desert: and he repaired the breaches thereof, and they fortified it.
63 Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.63 And when Bacchides knew it, he gathered together all his multitude: and sent word to them that were of Judea.
64 Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war.64 And he came, and camped above Bethbessen, and fought against it many days, and made engines.
65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth into the country: and came with a number of men.
66 And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent.66 And struck Odares, and his brethren, and the children of Phaseron in their tents, and he began to slay, and to increase in forces.
67 And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,67 But Simon and they that were with him, sallied out of the city, and burnt the engines.
68 And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.68 And they fought against Bacchides, and he was discomfited by them: and they afflicted him exceedingly, for his counsel, and his enterprise was in vain.
69 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.69 And he was angry with the wicked men that had given him counsel to come into their country, and he slew many of them: and he purposed to return with the rest into their country.
70 Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.70 And Jonathan had knowledge of it, and he sent ambassadors to him to make peace with him, and to restore to him the prisoners.
71 Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.71 And he accepted it willingly, and did according to his words, and swore that the would do him no harm all the days of his life.
72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.72 And he restored to him the prisoners which he before had taken out of the land of Juda: and he returned and went away into his own country, and he came no more into their borders.
73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.73 So the sword ceased from Israel: and Jonathan dwelt in Machmas, and Jonathan began there to judge the people, and he destroyed the wicked out of Israel.